Port tasting in Porto: Will you go for Ruby or Tawny?
If you’re visiting Porto, a port tasting is an unmissable experience. But what exactly is the difference between Ruby and Tawny? And did you know that there are also white and rosé ports? At the historic Cálem port cellars, I dive into the world of port wine, from centuries-old traditions and impressive wine barrels to surprising pairings with cheese and chocolate.
A glimpse into the port cellars at Cálem
Across the Douro, in Vila Nova de Gaia, lie the famous port cellars. Along the quayside, you can see the traditional rabelo boats, which were once used to transport barrels of port wine from the Douro Valley to the cellars. Here you’ll find Cálem, one of Porto’s best-known port houses.
The story begins in 1859, when António Alves Cálem decided to export his wines to Brazil. Using his own ships, he transported port wine across the ocean, where he exchanged it for exotic woods. The ship in the Cálem logo still serves as a reminder of this fascinating history.
My visit begins at the interactive museum, where I learn more about the history of port wine and the Douro Valley. This is one of the oldest wine regions in the world, where the climate and the unique soil provide ideal conditions for growing grapes for port wine. Part of this vineyard landscape has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2001.
The guide takes me down to the cellars, where there are enormous wooden wine barrels in which the port is aged. “Making and maintaining these wooden barrels is also a craft in its own right,” says the guide. Seeing those enormous barrels, I can certainly picture what he means.
Further along, smaller barrels are stacked on top of one another. Some even contain port from 1986, which has been maturing in wood for decades. It’s impressive to see how much time and craftsmanship goes into a single glass of port.
The colourful video projections on the wine barrels are a spectacular sight. Moving images explain the port wine production process and bring its centuries-old history to life.
The art of making port
The guide then explains how port is made. It is quite a process, in which craftsmanship and timing play a key role. “During fermentation, wine alcohol is added, which stops the fermentation and preserves some of the natural sugars from the grapes. This is how port gets its characteristic sweet flavour.” But not all ports are the same.
And when do you actually drink port? “There’s no perfect moment,” says the guide. Although port is traditionally often drunk after a meal, it can actually be enjoyed at any time.
Ruby, Tawny, White or Rosé: what’s the difference?
Ruby Port is recognisable by its deep red colour and fruity flavour. Think of cherries, berries and plums. This port pairs well with dark chocolate and strong cheeses.
Tawny Port takes on a lighter, amber hue as a result of ageing in wooden barrels. The flavour is somewhat milder, with notes of nuts, caramel and dried fruit. Delicious with desserts and chocolate.
White Port is made from white grapes and can be either dry or sweet. In Portugal, people also enjoy drinking white port with tonic and ice. A wonderfully refreshing aperitif!
Rosé Port has a nice pink colour and a fresh, fruity flavour. This Port is also best enjoyed chilled, with ice or in a cocktail. Rosé Port, in particular, came as a surprise to me. I didn’t even know it existed!
The flavour can vary from one port to another. This depends, amongst other things, on the age, the ageing process and the port house where the wine comes from.
The guide then goes on to talk about a Portuguese tradition. “When a child is born, a bottle of Vintage Port from the year of their birth is sometimes set aside. It is only opened years later, for example on graduation, at a wedding or on a special birthday.” In this way, the port and the child ‘mature’ together, as it were.
I think that’s a lovely idea. And that’s exactly what suits Portugal so well: traditions passed down from generation to generation.
Port tasting with cheese and chocolate
Now that I've got all the explanations out of the way, it’s time to taste them for myself. This tasting session focuses on Ruby and Tawny. Three different port wines, each paired with cheese or chocolate.
I’ll start with a fruity Ruby Port and goat’s cheese. Next comes a Vintage Port with a strong cheese. Finally, we’ll taste a 20-year-old Tawny, served with chocolate.
What immediately strikes you is that the three port wines all have different colours.
But which one is actually the tastiest: Ruby or Tawny? The surprising thing is how the flavours influence one another. First I take a sip of port, then I taste the cheese or chocolate and take another sip. And sure enough, the port suddenly tastes smoother or, conversely, more intense
Which port you prefer is, of course, entirely a matter of personal taste. That’s precisely why a tasting like this is so much fun: you learn to recognise and pair different flavours, and you might even discover a new favourite.
Try port for yourself at Cálem
Has this sparked your curiosity and would you like to taste some port for yourself? The Cálem cellars are situated opposite Porto’s historic centre. You can easily walk there via the famous Dom Luís I Bridge.
At Cálem, you can choose from a range of tasting sessions. There’s even an option that combines the tasting with a live Fado performance, so you can listen to traditional Portuguese music whilst you taste the wines. It’s a good idea to book in advance, especially during the high season.
São João: a festival on the Douro
Will you be in Porto on 23 or 24 June? If so, you’ll also get to experience the famous São João festival. The city is transformed into one huge street party, with music and spectacular fireworks over the Douro. There’s plenty to do on the water too. On 24 June, the annual Regata de Rabelos takes place, with traditional rabelo boats racing against each other on the Douro.
What will you choose?
And I’m curious: will you go for Ruby or Tawny? Or would you rather opt for a refreshing white port with tonic and ice, just as the Portuguese like to drink it?
For more inspiration and tips on Porto and Northern Portugal, visit the official Visit Porto & North website and their Marketplace.
This article was published on Reisleven on 17 October 2026.
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